Hridoy overtrumps Eisakhil as Riders clinch third spot

Bangla Press Desk:   In a spectacular battle of centuries, Towhid Hridoy’s clinical hundred trumped Hassan Eisakhil’s explosive ton to guide the Rangpur Riders to an eight-wicket victory over Noakhali Express at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Sunday. 

The win, coming in the final group stage match, successfully pushed Rangpur up to third place in the standings.

The match initially looked like it belonged to Noakhali’s Eisakhil. After a slow start, Eisakhil went on a late-innings rampage, smashing an unbeaten 107 off 72 balls. The Express looted 75 runs in the final five overs, including a staggering 28-run final over off Akif Javed. His 11 sixes set a daunting target of 174, leaving Rangpur with a mountain to climb.

However, Hridoy responded with a "proper" T20 masterclass that stole the headlines. 

While Eisakhil relied on a late blitz, Hridoy dominated from the start, showing superior control and placement. He hammered 109 off 63 deliveries, finding the boundary 15 times. His ability to anchor the chase while maintaining a high strike rate effectively neutralised the momentum Eisakhil had built.

Hridoy was well-supported by captain Litton Das (39*), but it was Hridoy’s aggression that broke the back of the target. 

Although he fell in the 19th over with just nine runs left to get, his century had already secured the result. Rangpur reached the target with two balls to spare, finishing on 174/2.

BP/TD